Excellent piece of writing by Beattie, who incidentally, is one of the most effective officers in the army when it comes to Afghan operations: Not only has he volunteered for this - his third tour - he actually believes in the mission with some passion.

Look forward to reading more from him, and hopefully more about the RIR, who - being in the same brigade as the Paras - face an uphill PR battle.

Another good read, don't know if it's just me but this tour seems to be flying in, had a mate away with 1 Mercian and it seemed he was away for ages but a mate out with 1 Royal Irish now and he'll be home soon enough.